Tazewell County Department of Health makes great strides in diabetes prevention

TAZEWELL COUNTY (HOI) – The efforts of a local health service to contribute to diabetes prevention through lifestyle coaching have recently been recognized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

With this recognition, the Tazewell County Health Department clbad will now be covered by Medicare and other private insurance for people at risk for type 2 diabetes until 2021.

Sara Sparkman of TCHD said six participants had completed the one – year program since its inception in 2017 and that 19 others had signed up for next steps.

Clbad participants gain the skills to change their lifestyle, such as weight loss, more active physical activity, and stress management to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The CDC has been recognized by the CDC for providing an effective, evidence-based program that meets CDC standards.

"As the director of the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program, it is extremely rewarding to see the science of diabetes prevention being implemented to improve the health of the population," said Ann Albright. "TCHD and its program instructors should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. It's programs like yours that are reversing the fight against the type 2 diabetes epidemic. "

The next diabetes prevention program will take place on Wednesdays from 9 am to 10 am at the Hopedale Wellness Center starting October 2nd. To register, contact Kim at 309-929-0230.